Case of abuser priest could have been handled differently – Archbishop of York

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell has said things “could have been handled differently” after an investigation reported a priest at the centre of a sexual abuse case was twice reappointed to a senior role while the archbishop was serving as Bishop of Chelmsford. But a bishop said it is “impossible” for Mr Cottrell to remain Archbishop of York or for him to lead the Church of England. Bishop of Newcastle Helen-Ann Hartley said the Tudor case “calls into question his ability to lead on the urgent change that is required in safeguarding, both operationally and culturally” in the Church. “The risk for the bishop could have been that the bishop would be sued for some kind of constructive or unfair dismissal, but surely that’s a risk worth taking because it’s morally and ethically the right thing to do to keep people safe?” A woman who was paid compensation by Tudor over claims he sexually abused her as a child told the BBC that Mr Cottrell’s failure to act when he was told about the payment means he should “leave the Church”.